Wade Saddle

A classic Wade saddle showcasing its distinctive wood post horn and slick fork design

When it comes to Western riding traditions, few pieces of equipment carry the heritage, craftsmanship, and practical design of a Wade saddle. Developed in the rugged terrain of the American West, this iconic saddle style has earned its reputation among working cowboys, competitive riders, and recreational enthusiasts alike for its distinctive design, functionality, and comfort. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about Wade saddles—from their fascinating history and unique features to practical selection advice and maintenance tips.

The Rich History of the Wade Saddle

The story of the Wade saddle begins in the late 1800s with a man named Clifford Wade. Wade, whose family journeyed west on the Oregon Trail, owned a distinctive saddle brought from the eastern United States by his father. This saddle caught the attention of Tom Dorrance, a renowned horseman from Wallowa County, Oregon, who admired both Wade’s exceptional livestock handling abilities and the unique saddle he rode.

The Birth of an Icon

According to acclaimed Idaho saddle maker Dale Harwood, it was in 1939 that Tom Dorrance took Clifford Wade’s saddle to Hamley & Company Saddle Shop in Pendleton, Oregon. There, he commissioned a new saddle built on a tree copied from Clifford’s original. By 1940, Dorrance wasn’t entirely satisfied with how the saddle fit, so he returned to Hamley’s and collaborated with Walt Youngman, their head tree maker, to modify the saddle tree design.

Left: A modern Wade saddle design during trail riding. Right: Wade saddles are popular among professional female riders for their balance and comfort.

Hamley & Company continued producing these trees and wanted to name them “Dorrance trees,” but Tom insisted they be named after Clifford Wade, from whom the original design was copied. Initially, these saddles gained limited popularity, primarily scattered throughout northern Nevada, eastern Oregon, and southern Idaho.

Rise to Prominence

The true turning point for the Wade saddle came in 1961 when Dale Harwood opened his saddle shop in southern Idaho. Having worked as a buckaroo across northern Nevada and Oregon ranches, Harwood began crafting saddles specifically for working cowboys. In 1962, the legendary horseman Ray Hunt commissioned Harwood to build him a saddle on a Wade tree. According to Harwood, it was Ray Hunt who ultimately popularized the Wade saddle style by using it during his numerous horse clinics throughout the United States, Canada, and overseas.

What began as a specialized tool for a select group of working ranch hands evolved into one of the most respected and sought-after Western saddle designs in existence today, marrying tradition with exceptional functional design.

Key Features that Define a True Wade Saddle

The distinctive elements of a Wade saddle showing its unique horn and fork design

Understanding what makes a genuine Wade saddle requires knowledge of its distinctive structural elements. Not all saddles marketed as “Wade” saddles possess these authentic characteristics, which define the true form and function of this classic design.

The Wade Fork and Horn

At its most fundamental level, a Wade saddle is defined by its fork style. The authentic Wade fork has several defining characteristics:

• Slick Fork Design – A Wade fork is widest at the bottom, unlike swell forks that widen further down the sides.
• Wood Post Horn – Perhaps the most distinctive feature is the wood post horn built as an integral part of the fork, not added separately.
• Thinner Gullet – With the wooden horn integrated into the fork structure, the gullet can be significantly thinner (often by 7/8″ or more compared to metal horn saddles).
• Thicker Stock – Traditional Wade forks have 5″ of stock thickness (front-to-back measurement), compared to most swell forks at 3 3/4″ or less.

Additional Structural Elements

Beyond the distinctive fork and horn design, authentic Wade saddles typically feature:

• Higher Top Cut Angle – To accommodate the thicker stock while maintaining proper gullet clearance above the horse.
• Wider Side Cut Angle – The sides of the fork are cut at an angle outwards, contributing to the distinctive Wade profile.
• Low Seat Position – The Wade design allows the rider to sit closer to the horse’s back, enhancing stability and control.
• Balanced Seat Design – Provides riders with a centered, balanced position for long hours in the saddle.

Why Cowboys and Ranchers Choose Wade Saddles

The enduring popularity of Wade saddles among working cowboys and serious riders isn’t just about tradition—it’s about tangible performance benefits in demanding riding situations.

Superior Roping Performance

Wade saddles excel in roping applications for several key reasons:

• The lower horn position reduces leverage when holding heavy livestock.
• The horn’s prominent lip makes dallying (wrapping) your rope easier and more secure.
• The saddle’s overall lower profile reduces strain on the horse when under load.
• The balanced design helps maintain stability during dynamic roping maneuvers.

Exceptional Comfort for Long Rides

Whether working cattle all day or covering extensive trail miles, Wade saddles are renowned for their rider comfort:

• The deep, well-balanced seat keeps riders centered and secure.
• The position of the stirrups encourages proper leg alignment.
• The saddle design distributes rider weight evenly across the horse’s back.
• Some Wade saddles contain additional padding layers for shock absorption.

Horse-Friendly Design

Working buckaroos particularly appreciate how Wade saddles perform on the horse:

• The saddle sits securely without shifting, even in steep terrain.
• Weight distribution across wider bar surfaces reduces pressure points.
• The design allows for better shoulder freedom in many horses.
• Lower profile reduces fatigue during long working days.

Wade Saddles vs. Other Western Saddle Types

To understand the unique position Wade saddles hold in Western riding, it helps to compare them with other popular Western saddle types.

Feature	Wade Saddle	Roping Saddle	Association Saddle
Fork Design	Slick fork	Varies (often swell fork)	Swell fork
Horn	Wood post (integral)	Metal (attached)	Metal (attached)
Stock Thickness	5″ (traditional)	3.5-4″	3.75″ or less
Primary Use	Ranch work, roping, trail	Team roping, calf roping	All-around riding, showing
Weight	Medium to heavy	Heavy	Medium
Rider Position	Lower, centered	Secure, balanced	More forward

The Association saddle essentially combines elements of the traditional Wade style with additional features. While Wade saddles feature the slick fork design, Association saddles typically have pronounced swells that provide additional security for the rider.

Left: Top view of a handcrafted Wade saddle showing the distinctive horn design. Right: The structural elements of a Wade saddle tree.

How to Choose the Right Wade Saddle

Selecting the perfect Wade saddle requires careful consideration of several factors to ensure it meets both your needs and your horse’s comfort requirements.

Fit for Your Horse

Despite some misconceptions, Wade saddles don’t automatically fit horses differently than other saddle styles. The fit depends entirely on the specific tree measurements and design choices made by the saddle maker.

• Gullet Width: Should match your horse’s withers conformation.
• Bar Angle: Needs to correspond to your horse’s back shape.
• Bar Length: Must distribute weight appropriately across your horse’s back.
• Rock and Twist: Should complement your horse’s back curvature from front to rear.

Rider Considerations

The perfect Wade saddle should also accommodate your body type and riding style:

• Seat Size: Generally measured in half-inch increments from 15″ to 17″.
• Cantle Height: Higher cantles (4″+) provide more back support.
• Ground Seat Design: Affects your balance and comfort during long rides.
• Stirrup Position: Should allow proper leg alignment for your body proportions.

Quality Indicators

When investing in a Wade saddle, look for these signs of quality craftsmanship:

• Solid wood tree wrapped in rawhide or fiberglass for durability.
• High-quality, thick leather throughout (especially in high-stress areas).
• Hand-stitched elements with tight, even stitching.
• Smooth transitions between different saddle components.
• Quality hardware (rigging, buckles, dee rings).
• Proper balance when placed on a saddle stand.

Caring for Your Wade Saddle

Proper maintenance ensures your Wade saddle will provide decades of service and retain its value. These care routines are particularly important for working saddles that see regular use in dusty, wet, or demanding conditions.

Routine Care

1. Daily Wipe-Down: After each use, wipe your saddle with a clean, dry cloth to remove sweat, dirt, and dust.
2. Proper Storage: Always store your saddle on a proper saddle rack in a dry, climate-controlled environment when possible.
3. Cover Protection: Use a breathable saddle cover when storing to protect from dust and UV damage.
4. Avoid Extreme Conditions: Never leave your saddle in direct sunlight, extremely humid environments, or freezing conditions for extended periods.

Cleaning and Conditioning

For smooth leather Wade saddles:

1. Remove dirt with a slightly damp sponge.
2. Apply high-quality glycerin-based saddle soap with a soft sponge, working up a light lather.
3. Wipe clean with a damp cloth, then dry thoroughly.
4. Apply leather conditioner sparingly, focusing on stress points and allowing it to absorb fully.
5. Buff with a clean, soft cloth to restore shine.

For rough-out leather Wade saddles:

1. Use a soft brush to remove surface dirt and debris.
2. Clean with specialized rough-out leather cleaner or diluted saddle soap using minimal moisture.
3. Allow to dry completely.
4. Use a suede brush to restore nap after cleaning.
5. Apply specialized rough-out conditioner when leather feels dry, using sparing amounts.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wade Saddles

Important Considerations and Warnings

Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Wade Saddles

The Wade saddle stands as a testament to practical, purpose-driven design in Western riding equipment. From its origins in the working ranches of the American West to its current status as a preferred choice for serious riders across disciplines, the Wade saddle embodies the perfect balance of tradition and functionality.

What began as a custom modification for Tom Dorrance has evolved into one of the most respected saddle designs in Western riding. The Wade saddle’s distinctive features—the integrated wood post horn, slick fork design, and balanced structure—continue to serve riders who value comfort, security, and performance in demanding riding environments.

Whether you’re a working rancher, a competitive rider, or a dedicated recreational equestrian, the Wade saddle offers a blend of tradition, craftsmanship, and practical design that few other Western saddles can match. Understanding its unique characteristics and benefits allows you to make an informed choice when considering this iconic saddle style for your equestrian pursuits.

As you explore the world of Wade saddles, remember that authentic craftsmanship matters. A genuine Wade saddle, properly fitted and maintained, represents not just a piece of equipment, but a connection to the rich heritage of Western horsemanship that continues to evolve while honoring its practical, working roots.